Johannes Hoff Thorup Optimistic About Anis Ben Slimane’s Fitness After Setbacks

Johannes Hoff Thorup Optimistic About Anis Ben Slimane’s Fitness After Setbacks

Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup is hopeful that midfielder Anis Ben Slimane’s ongoing fitness struggles are finally behind him, following a promising week of progress for the player. After battling through a series of minor injuries that had hampered his early performances at Carrow Road, the Tunisian international has started to show signs of his true potential. In recent matches, Slimane not only started against both West Brom and Luton, but he also marked his first goal for the club in a dominant 6-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle, which has lifted both his confidence and that of his manager.

Thorup remains cautiously optimistic about Slimane’s future contributions to the squad, as the midfielder seems to be moving past the fitness issues that plagued him in the early part of his time at Norwich. Thorup acknowledged that the player had arrived from Sheffield United with pre-existing fitness concerns, which meant he required time to adapt to the demands of the Championship. However, with the squad’s injury list beginning to shorten, Thorup believes they can now manage Slimane’s workload more effectively. The increased depth in the team gives Thorup the flexibility to rest players when necessary, ensuring that Slimane won’t be overburdened as the season progresses.

The Norwich manager emphasized that while Slimane’s initial struggles were understood, it was important for the team to remain patient with his development. The international break, Thorup noted, gave the midfielder a chance to recover and build the physical strength needed for the rest of the campaign. “Having more players available gives us better scenarios and solutions,” Thorup explained, underscoring the importance of having a well-rested squad moving forward. This period of recuperation could prove vital in keeping Slimane fit for a longer stretch of the season, allowing him to gradually gain the consistency needed at this level.

Despite the setbacks, Thorup has continued to show confidence in Slimane, praising his commitment and professionalism. Even when the player was not fully match-fit, he gave his all for the team, which has earned him the respect of both the manager and the supporters. Thorup highlighted how Slimane’s early performances were very positive, further cementing the faith Norwich have in him. Now, with the squad looking healthier, the manager hopes to make more informed decisions on player selection and manage Slimane’s game time more carefully, reducing the risk of further injuries.

Looking ahead, Thorup is hopeful that Slimane’s fitness will continue to improve, allowing him to reach his full potential at Norwich City. The trust shown by the manager, combined with Slimane’s determination and the team’s growing strength in numbers, gives the 23-year-old a solid foundation to build on. With a more balanced and rested squad, Norwich City aims to push for greater consistency and success in the coming months, and Slimane’s contributions could be key to that goal.